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Chapter 9: Problem 11

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from a. high-energy particles from the solar wind. b. micrometeorites. c. ultraviolet radiation. d. charged particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field.

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. ultraviolet radiation

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Function of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3). Its primary function is to absorb the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVB and UVC rays, thereby protecting life on Earth.
02

- Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each given option to determine if it matches the known function of the ozone layer.Option a: High-energy particles from the solar wind are primarily deflected by Earth's magnetic field, not the ozone layer.Option b: Micrometeorites are mostly burnt up by friction with the Earth's atmosphere before they reach the ozone layer.Option c: Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface in large amounts.Option d: Charged particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field are managed by the Earth's magnetosphere.
03

- Identify the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the function of the ozone layer matches with option c (ultraviolet radiation). The other options do not align with the primary function of the ozone layer.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation, often referred to as UV radiation, is a type of energy emitted by the Sun. There are three main types of ultraviolet radiation:

  • UVA: These rays have the longest wavelength and are not entirely blocked by the ozone layer. They can penetrate through clouds and glass, affecting the deeper layers of the skin.
  • UVB: These rays have medium wavelengths and are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB is responsible for causing sunburns and can lead to skin cancer.
  • UVC: These rays have the shortest wavelength and are also extremely harmful. Fortunately, they are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere.
The primary purpose of the ozone layer is to absorb a significant amount of UVB and UVC rays, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface and protecting all forms of life from their harmful effects.
Stratosphere
The stratosphere is one of the layers of Earth's atmosphere. It sits above the troposphere, which is the layer closest to the Earth's surface. The stratosphere extends from about 10 km to 50 km above the Earth's surface. This layer is unique because it contains the ozone layer.

Key characteristics of the Stratosphere:

  • Temperature: Increases with altitude, unlike the troposphere. This is due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone molecules, which warms this layer.
  • Ozone Layer: Concentrated in the lower stratosphere and plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful UV radiation.
  • Stability: The stratosphere is more stable than the troposphere with less turbulence and fewer weather changes, making it ideal for commercial aircraft to fly in its lower regions.
Understanding the stratosphere helps in recognizing where the ozone layer is and how it functions to protect life on Earth.
Earth's Atmosphere
Earth's atmosphere is composed of several layers with distinct characteristics. It is important to understand these layers to appreciate where the ozone layer fits in.

Main layers of Earth's atmosphere:

  • Troposphere: The lowest layer, where weather occurs. Extends up to 10 km.
  • Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer. Extends from about 10 km to 50 km.
  • Mesosphere: Where most meteors burn up upon entry. Extends from 50 km to about 85 km.
  • Thermosphere: Contains the ionosphere and is where auroras occur. Extends from 85 km to 600 km.
  • Exosphere: The outermost layer. Extends from 600 km out to around 10,000 km.
Each of these layers plays a vital role in supporting life and protecting the Earth from harmful solar and cosmic forces.
Magnetic Field
The Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is an invisible field that extends from the Earth's interior out into space. It aids in protecting the Earth from several external dangers.

Functions of Earth's Magnetic Field:

  • Deflection of Solar Wind: High-energy particles from the solar wind are directed away from Earth by the magnetic field, protecting the atmosphere from being stripped away over time.
  • Charged Particle Management: It traps charged particles, creating the Van Allen radiation belts. These belts shield the Earth from cosmic radiation.
  • Navigation: It provides a compass reference, enabling navigation for birds, marine life, and human technology.
Along with the atmosphere and ozone layer, the magnetic field forms a crucial part of Earth's defense mechanisms against external harms, ensuring life can thrive.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The total mass of Earth's atmosphere is \(5 \times 10^{18} \mathrm{kg}\). Carbon dioxide \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)\) makes up about 0.06 percent of Earth's atmospheric mass. a. What is the mass of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (in kilograms) in Earth's atmosphere? b. The annual global production of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) is now estimated to be \(3 \times 10^{13} \mathrm{kg} .\) What annual fractional increase does this represent? c. The mass of a molecule of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) is \(7.31 \times 10^{-26} \mathrm{kg}\). How many molecules of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) are added to the atmosphere each year? d. Why does an increase in \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) have such a big effect, even though it represents a small fraction of the atmosphere?

Mars movies: a. Watch a science fiction film about people going to Mars. How does the film handle the science? Can people breathe the atmosphere? Are the low surface gravity and atmospheric pressure correctly portrayed? Do the astronauts have access to water? b. At the end of the film Total Recall (1990), Arnold Schwarzenegger's character presses an alien button, the martian volcanoes start spewing, and within a few minutes the martian sky is blue, the atmospheric pressure is Earthlike, and the atmosphere is totally breathable. (Probably you can find the scene online.) What, scientifically, is wrong with this scene? That is, why would volcanic gases not quickly create a breathable atmosphere on Mars?

In what way is the atmospheric greenhouse effect beneficial to terrestrial life?

Mars: a. Go to http://www.planetfour.org, a Zooniverse Citizen Science Project in which people examine images of the surface of Mars. Log in or create a Zooniverse account if you don't have one. Read through "About": Where did these data come from? What are the goals of this project? Why is it useful to have many people look at the data? Read through "Classify": "Show Tutorial" and "See Examples" and "FAQs." Now classify some images. b. Go to the website for the \(M A V E N\) mission, which entered the orbit of Mars in 2014 . (http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/ maven). What are the scientific goals of the mission? Is this mission a lander, an orbiter, or a flyby? What instruments are on this mission? How will this mission contribute to the understanding of climate change on Mars? Go to the NASA Web page for \(M A V E N\) (http://www.nasa.gov/ mission_pages/maven/main/index.html). Are there any results?

Hadley circulation is broken into zonal winds by a. convection from solar heating b. hurricanes and other storms. c. interactions with the solar wind. d. the planet's rapid rotation.
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